Assault in the Wilderness

Abadius 14, 4713

Zeshan Wayfinder and her dwarven convoy, which Dhukhean has been tasked with escorting back to Korvosa, are due today. Dhukhean arrives at the Swinging Sword Inn for breakfast. He has polished his boots, his beard, and his bald spot, and his ceremonial clothes are impeccably pressed. The scent of beard oil is pervasive throughout the dining room, and some of the patrons silently gag. Kaylessa Irkell thanks the Coopers for their help in getting most of her staff back. Breakfast is heartier and more abundant this morning, but the weather outside remains unseasonably cold and snowy, unusual weather for this area.

The Coopers decide to brave the weather and meet the convoy on the road. They saddle their horses and head north on the Long Road towards Westbridge. A few hours out of Red Larch, a storm strikes from the west and soon the road all but disappear beneath a blanket of snow. Only the trees and boulders on the side of the road indicate its direction. The snow keeps pilling on, and after eight hours of traveling the Coopers are exhausted.

Daryle finds a sheltered space and pitches her tent. Darelle outdoes her sister and uses the jar of cloud to create a cloud castle on the ground. Lawrence wraps himself in his warm blanket. Ruddy finds a rock, and has Naga heat it to a comfortable temperature. He then climbs a tall tree, bundles up in his sleeping bag with the rock radiating heat and keeps guard, watching the area despite the blinding snow. Daryle sets up a few traps that will trigger an alarm if someone, or something, approaches during the night. The Coopers divide the watches among themselves, but the night is uneventful and they are able to rest.


Abadius 15, 4713 

At midpoint in the night, Ruddy notices the storm abating, and soon the last flake fall from the sky. When a weak sun rises in the east, the entire countryside is covered with a deep blanket of white snow. Over 20 inches fell over the last day. Though it is not snowing anymore, the winds continue to blow and the temperature remains very cold. In the distance, a few miles north, Lawrence spots a flock of carrion birds, while two larger flying creatures are moving east, away from the flock at vertiginous speeds.

The Coopers trek north through the snow with difficulty. After an hour, they come to the scene of a battle, covered with snow. Two wagons have been overturned and broken, and a dozen human corpses lay underneath the snow. Though some have been slashed and pierced, most show blunt damage similar to the dead bodies from another encountered caravan under attack. Each human body wears a livery of a red star on black tunics, which Dhukhean recognizes as that of his clan. There are no dwarven bodies in the ruins of the caravan, and everything has been thoroughly looted. Lawrence and Thorne search for secret compartments and hidden places, and find that even these did not escape the pilfering. 

On the edge of the battle are two cairns. One stands about ten feet tall and appears crudely built. The other one, about three feet tall, is of human origin. Dhukhean examines the larger cairn and determines that it was built by bugbears. Digging through the stones, Dhukhean discovers that at least five bugbears wearing a distinctive brown leather armor bearing a strange symbol are buried there.

After watching Dhukhean explore the larger cairn, Daryle examines the smaller one but realizes there is no easy way to remove enough stones to peek inside, and she's not comfortable desecrating someone's resting place, even if it is an enemy. Lawrence, meanwhile, looks for evidence of trails on the west side of the road, and eventually finds a large trail blazed through the wilderness. An attempt has been made in camouflaging its entrance into the clearing where the battle has taken place, and the depth of snow indicates that a large group of about fifty individuals came through here, then returned the same way.

Lawrence advises the party of his discovery, and soon they are on the enemies' trail. Darelle and Daryle estimate that they are probably about twelve hours behind them. The Coopers follow the trail north over ten miles, and eventually turn back east towards the Long Road. Once again the trail blazed by the large group has been camouflaged so that it would be less visible from the road. They then travel on the road for another four miles, before another trail, once again camouflaged, heads east in the Sumber Hills. Naga transforms into an owl and flies up. He can see far towards the horizon northward, but the Sumber Hills stretch eastward. He can spot evidence of the trail heading along the foothills, and then reconnects to the Stone Trail. He returns to report his findings.

The trek through the wilderness emerges back on the Stone Trail, but once again the trail veers off the road and enters the Sumber Hills. Lawrence discovers a finely made white scarf. Thorne identifies it as dwarven, while Dhukhean recognizes it as Zeshan's scarf. 

With night rapidly approaching, the Coopers set up camp. Naga spots several fires in the distance, probably the town of Beliard. Closer to their camp, however, along the Stone Trail about two miles away, is a small fire. Naga flies towards it, and lands nearby. Four heavily armed men protect a small wagon. Two of them are cooking dinner, while one is guarding and the other is putting the finishing touches to the tents. He eavesdrop on their conversations. Aside from their concerns about possible attacks by bandits, the men are worried about rumors they have heard in Westbridge that Old Gnawbone, a green dragon who dwells in the Sumber Hills, has been more active of late. Naga flies away, startling the guards, who let arrows fly. He informs the Coopers of what he overheard, and the party gets ready to spend one more frigid night in the wilderness.


Abadius 16, 4713 

After a light breakfast, the Coopers break camp, and examine their options. Lawrence spots three flying creatures in the distance, about four miles away, flying a northerly course following the Dessarin River. Should they attempt to contact them, or are they hostiles? Daryle uses a mirror to shine the sun towards them, and the creatures immediately turn and head their way. Soon the Coopers realize that the three creatures are actually griffons with riders on their backs. One of the rider lands. A beautiful human woman wearing a winged helmet and a finely crafted armor lands her griffon, and disembarks. She introduces herself as Savra Belabranta, a captain in the Feathergale Society, a group of flying enthusiasts with deep pockets who repurposed a small castle south of here in the Sumber Hills, and who enjoy flying with their griffons. Given all of the troubles around the Dessarin Valley, they've been keeping an eye out, and her patrol has been on the lookout for a large group of bugbears who traveled through this area two days ago, but lost them in the storm.

Thorne asks her what the Feathergale Society is. She replies that the Feathergale Society is a group of well off individuals, mostly hailing from Korvosa, Tanram and as far away as Caliphas, in Ustalav. These individual share an interest in the noble calling of aerial steeds and found the Sumber Hills to be perfect for their sport due to the high winds and turbulence. Talking to her, Thorne gets the distinctive impression that she's a rich and spoiled person who achieved her title not through her accomplishments but through her family's influence. Savra invites the Coopers to Feathergale Spire next time they are in the area, so that they can ride together. Thorne gives her a healing flower.

Resuming their pursuit, the Coopers continue deep in the Sumber Hills, and find themselves at the end of another exhausting day still in the wilderness. They pitch camp, select watches, and they try to get as much rest as possible.Unfortunately, during the night their camp is attacked. During Naga's watch, he hears growling and scratching sounds coming from outside the cloud castle. He wakes Ruddy, and the two of them step outside to investigate. They are confronted by three large toad-like beasts with six legs, each ridden by a small fey creature. They immediately attack. The battle goes poorly for Ruddy and Naga at first, but soon, with the rest of the Coopers joining the attack, they are able to defeat the attackers, killing all fey and two of the beasts while one escapes.


Abadius 18, 4713 

With injuries and running low on supplies, the Coopers return to Red Larch. On their way through the southern part of the Sumber Hills, they see Feathergale Spire in the distance...

Rumors in Red Larch

Abadius 13, 4713

Following their long trek from Korvosa to Red Larch, the Coopers spent their first exhausted night in the small village, but managed to get some rest overnight. Waking up early in the morning, they find that the winter weather is unsettled, with gusts of cold air and a temperature hovering near freezing. Arriving in the dining room for breakfast, they are met by the Swinging Sword Inn proprietor, Kaylessa Irkell. She seems frazzled, and when Darelle politely inquires, Kaylessa tells her that four of her workers did not report to work this morning. Rumors are spreading around the village like wild fire, and the latest one has it that a plague is spreading throughout the homesteads around Lance Rock, a large rock formation about an hour southwest of Red Larch. And two days ago it was the rumors of ghosts have been seen near an old burial mound of the Uthgardt tribe not far from town. Kaylessa bitterly complains that the area has changed for the worse over the last six or so months, and she apologizes that breakfast will be a lighter fare than usual, given her small staff.  

Darelle and Daryle head to the dining room, and are soon served a breakfast of bacon, eggs and oatmeal. Four local workers are also sitting in the dining room, eating their breakfast. Three are clearly stone cutters, for their heavy winter coats are covered with stone dust, while the fourth appears to be a carpenter. They pay the sisters no attention as they enter, but Darelle soon notices one of the stone cutters' attention perk up when Dhukhean joins the sister after his night at the Allsfaith Shrine. While the dwarf orders breakfast, Darelle watches the worker stand up and depart, leaving his plate half finished but soon eaten by one of his colleagues. The ranger stands, and decides to follow the worker. Witnessing her sister get up and leave the Swinging Sword Inn, Daryle also stands and follows her.

Ruddy enters the dining room and orders breakfast. He questions Kaylessa about the livery uniforms and she reports that over the last six months many caravans have been attacked, and it seems the more heavily armed a caravan, the higher its chances of being attacked. Kaylessa doesn't know much about House Goeland aside from the fact that it is a large transport and hauling concern in the area, moving goods on the long road. With his breakfast finished, Dhukhean informs Ruddy that he will be at the Allsfaith Shrine to consult their library and see if he can discover more information about the dwarven kingdom of Besilmer and its capital of Tyar-Besil.

Naga, who slept in a farmer's barn, arrives at the Singing Inn for breakfast. Ruddy tells him about the caravans. Naga suggests that they set up a decoy with a caravan, to entice the brigands to attack them. Both continue to elaborate plans while they finish tiehr breakfast.

Meanwhile, Darelle follows the worker, who makes his way to Dornen Finestone, where he enters the plain square building always coated in gray-white shrouds of rock dust that serves as the business office. Wishing to investigate further and to get closer, Darelle disguises herself and enter the quarry. A solicitous worker in his mid fifties comes along and welcomes her to the business, and asks if she needs any assistance. Darelle replies she's interested in stone slates for a house in Korvosa, and the worker shows her several samples. Impressed, Darelle asks to meet with the owner to finalize a sale. The worker takes her to the business office, and as they enter Darelle notices the worker from the Singing Inn exiting the owner' office, after receiving a slap on the back. The worker walks out of the office with a grin on his face, and does not appear to recognize the ranger.

The owner, Elak Dornen, welcomes Darelle to Red Larch and asks her if she found anything she was interested in. Daryle enters the office and joins her sister. Darelle places an order for rock slates, and Elak Dornen agrees to ship the slates down to Korvosa in a forthnight for 160 crowns. He seems very happy to have concluded a sale, and when questioned, reports that business has been bad these last six months, with caravans and merchants being attacked by bandits, and with the local constabulary unable to deal with the influx of miscreants. He guarantees delivery to the sisters' house, and if the wagon does not arrive he will personally drive another team with slate down to Korvosa. The sisters thank him and depart, determined now to find the constable and learn more about what may be affecting the area.

Dhukhean returns to the Allsfaith Shrine, and searches for any historical references to Besilmer in the large library housed in the shrine. Unfortunately, the dwarf kingdom is either of no interest to the locals, or so far back in time that he does not find many references. He does discover, however, that the dwarves of Besilmer constructed a magnificent stone archway made of smooth, fused hard green granite that stretched from one shore of the Dessarin River to the other, extending about two miles and reaching four hundred feet in the air and comfortably exceeding the largest spring flood ever experienced by the river. This site, which was constructed over a millenium ago, once witnessed the appearance of the dwarf god Magrim to rally the dwarves of Belsimer against a horde of orcs attempting to cross the bridge to reach the western side. It is during this battle that King Thorild Flametongue perished, but not before defeating a hill giant. Upon his death his remains were buried in the Halls of the Hunting Axe in Tyar-Besil.

The sisters successfully track Harbuck Tuthmarillar, constable of Red Larch, at his wife's shop, Jalessa Orna's Butcher. The butcher shop occupies the first of four identical single-story stone buildings that run from the street towards the edge of the village in a line. The shop can be identified by a painted sign showing a ham being carved by a large iron cleaver. The second building appears to be a smokehouse, with two large chimneys emerging from the roof on either side, while the third building, with currently emptied flower pots and a clothesline indicate this is the owner's residence. The fourth building appears to be the constabulary office, with its two small windows sporting bars.

When they enter the constabulary office, the Coopers find Harbuck talking to a ruffian in the one jail cell. Harbuck turns to the Coopers and politely asks them what he can do for them. When they express their support and that they are interested in helping enforce the laws in the area, Harbuck appears relieved. Daryle produces her Hellknight credentials, and Harbuck immediately deputizes her. They question him about the caravans being attacked. Harbuck reports news similar to what Ruddy and Naga learned. He doesn't know why this increase in criminality is happening, but he knows that his forces are hopelessly outmatched. He informs the Coopers that of all the current problems affecting Red Larch, his biggest concern is the presence of mysterious figures wearing stone masks watch over Mellikho Stoneworks' stone quarries at night. Workers now refuse to work with torches, even if guards are present, which directly impacts the local economy.

With lunch being served at the Swinging Sword Inn, the party reunites and eats another light meal. Daryle sits at the table with her new shiny badge, while Darelle retells what they found out during their morning errands. Kaylessa once again apologizes to them for the low quality of the food and of the service, and complains about her staff not showing up to work. Ruddy announces that they will go meet with the workers to make sure everyone is safe and sound, and to encourage them to return to work. Kaylessa gladly provides them with the location of their residences, and, once their meal is finished they head out. They find the first three workers well enough. One of them simply wanted the day off because he felt it was too cold to walk to work. The other two have heard rumors of the plague in the homesteads near Lance Rock and were instructed by their parents to remain home until more information could be obtained. Dhukhean shares that he doesn't believe there is a plague, and that it is safe for the workers to return to the Swinging Sword Inn. That leaves the last worker, who lives on a homestead an hour east of Red Larch.

The bitterly cold winds have picked up, and with them snow flurries, when the Coopers arrive at the Rumford homestead. Thick pillars of black smoke arise from the ruins, clear evidence that the homestead was attacked and torched. Where once stood a sturdy stone house, two outbuildings and barn, and several fenced-in fields, nothing but smoldering wreckage remain. Naga determines that the fire were magical in nature. The Cooper sisters explore the ruins but find no bodies, despite the fact that eleven people were reported to live here. Darelle spots several small pools of blood on the ground, and finds clear marks that both animals and people were hauled away by a large group of humanoids. In the distance, Dhukhean spots six riders on horses, who cautiously ride in.

The leader of the barbarian riders confronts the Coopers and question why they burned the homestead. The Coopers reply they are not responsible for what happened here but rather were investigating. The barbarian leader introduces himself as Argos, third son of Ferndell, leader of the Elk Tribe of the Uthgardt, and that they have been stalking the Sumber Hills looking for bandits who have taken refuge in what the tribe considers to be its lands. Argos doesn't care for the homesteaders, whom he considers to be encroaching on the tribe's territory, but he he is saddened to see that they came to harm. The Coopers are convinced that Argos and his men were not responsible for the destruction of the homestead. They bid the barbarians goodbye, and they follow the tracks left by whomever attacked the Rumfords.

After nearly an hour, they catch up to an encampment nested on the bank of a hill, barely protected from the wind. Two large tents have been pitched, and a corral has been hastily assembled to house the Rumford animals. Four brigands guard the approaches to the camp, while six more sit at campfires. There are no signs of prisoners. The Coopers immediately launch an attack on the camp, and the brigands soon find themselves overwhelmed. From one of the tent emerges a Gerald, who cackles and returns inside the tent when he sees his men being overpowered. Daryle sets his tent ablaze, but the sorcerer dimension doors to the top of the hill and unleashes a series of fireballs on Dhukhean. Ruddy and Naga dispatch a number of the enemy, while Darelle spots two of the brigands entering the second tent with their daggers drawn. Naga flies and lifts the tent, dropping it on the remaining brigands fighting outside, while Darelle enters the space and fights the other two, who were bent on eliminating their prisoners.

With the combat wrapped up, the Coopers have managed to rescue all eleven members of the Rumford family as well as their animals. Dhukhean heals their wounds. In the wreckage of Gerald's tent Darelle finds a warhammer called Jawcrusher and a sealed tube. On the tube is the following symbol:

In this tube is an unadressed letter written in child-like handwriting informing the bearer that any captured dwarf is to be taken to Thurl Merosska. Who is this person, and why would he want dwarves?

The path less traveled

Abadius 3, 4713

The riots of Korvosa eventually settle into a simmering low-level civil war, with Korvosian troops putting down roving bands of opponents. Queen Ileosa remains unpopular, but martial law and Hellknight support have now brought the situation to a stalemate. Having returned from their trip to Magnimar as escorts to Duke Mosley's niece Olivia nearly three months ago, the Coopers put their affairs in order and clean Zellara's house to make it their own. Dhukhean pursues his dwarven clan's mission of setting up its embassy despite the troubling times. Thorne secretly conducts several missions for Mosley, while keeping an eye on the local Hellknights for him.

Ruddy McStabby, a rugged gnome slayer bounty hunter, arrived in Korvosa a month ago, hot on the trail of Geralds. He has been hunting them down all over Golarion after receiving a commission from Duke Mosley, who remains holed up in the Emerald Spire, exploiting its magical energy. In the last six months Ruddy has eliminated seven of the pesky Geralds. In Korvasa, he ran into the Cooper sisters and they commiserated over the plague of Geralds that have been unleashed on the continent. The sister loved their triplet brother, but also hated him.

Naga spends the three months following the Breaching Festival in Korvosa working as a mercenary on ships plying the trade routes between Korvosa and Cheliax. Along the way he hears that Duke Mosley has finally been disinherited and disowned from his mother, her Infernal Majestrix, Queen Abrogail II of the Thrice-Damned House of Thrune and a price has been put on his head. Rumors of forces gathering on both sides of what promises to be a bloody conflict for the future of Cheliax are spreading rapidly along the Inner Sea and even faraway coasts.

Early in the morning, Dhukhean receives a messenger from his clan. This dwarf informs him he must travel on the Long Road leading from Korvosa to Kaer Maga. The chief's wife, Zeshan Wayfinder is traveling with a retinue from the Kodar Mountains, where she visited family, and is now heading to Korvosa to inaugurate the clan's new embassy. Dhukhean is instructed to meet her caravan in the village of Red Larch, where she is expected in about ten days, and escort her back to Korvosa. Dhukhean is proud of the honor of being asked, and he decides to ask the Cooper sisters if they would like to accompany him on what he expects to be an uneventful trip.

Gathering together for a communal evening meal at the Pier's Lantern to celebrate the new year, Dhukhean outlines his upcoming travel plans. Darelle and Daryle readily agree to escort the dwarf, happy to be leaving the city behind for a few weeks. Naga, Lawrence, and Ruddy are cajoled in coming with them. Thorne, who arrives late, elects to go with the group as well. Thus, arrangements are made to depart the following morning and head to the village of Red Larch, a few days south of Kaer Maga.



Abadius 12, 4713

For nine days the Coopers' trip is uneventful. Instead of journeying on the Long Road, they choose the Kheldell Path. Less traveled and longer than the Long Road, Kheldell Path avoids many settlements and, paradoxically, offers a speedier trip. The weather remains cold and gloomy, with a few days of sunshine and decent temperatures. Spring is still a few months away in this part of Varisia. The rangers successfully gather food along the path, and for nine days the expedition makes good progress

priest wearing dun colored robes leading the search of the wagon. The priest appears agitated and is clearly looking for something, as he yells at his men to hurry up and find the object he desires. The remaining Coopers cannot see the priest from their vantage point, and Ruddy has no way to notify them. Thorne moves forward and, using a tree for partial cover, fires an arrow at the bandit he deduces is in charge. Surprised by this attack, the bandits are slow to react and the Coopers rain arrows on the hapless bandits. Soon, however, the battle is joined.

When Dhukhean enters the fray, the bandits' attention shift to him. The priest emerges from the shelter of the overturned wagon and casts a spell. The ground in front of Dhukhean erupts like a geyser, spraying stones everywhere and inflicting serious damage to many members of the party. Then, three huge earth elementals emerge from the ground and launch themselves at the dwarf. Lawrence moves through the forest on the opposite side of Ruddy, and stabs a bandit to death. Thorne continues to fire arrows along with Daryle, while Darelle and Dhukhean move in for close quarter combat. Thorne notices that though the elementals appear to collaborate with the bandits, they are not commanded by them. The elementals' movement blocks their view of the rest of the battle, however, and Dhukhean soon finds himself in trouble. Incapacitated by a powerful blow, he is unceremoniously grabbed by an elemental, who attempts to pull him underground. Quick thinking by Naga and Darelle slays the elemental, but Dhukhean is buried to his beard in hard-packed ground. The remaining elementals are soon dispatched, and efforts are undertaken to revive and dig Dhukhean from the ground.

Meanwhile, Ruddy and Lawrence kill several bandits. Seeing his troops depleted, the bandit chief gives the retreat signal, and the remaining bandits, including the priest, manage to slip away back in the forest.

Ruddy boards the wagon and begins searching it. He discovers a crate containing four silver candlesticks marked with a strange symbol, an X with a squiggle line underneath:

 
He also finds evidence that two dwarves were aboard the wagon. Part of a cloak remain behind, and a booth is found partially buried in the road, indicating that the dwarves were most likely pulled underground by elementals. Lawrence, who also climbs aboard the overturned wagon, discovers two books in a secret compartment. Both books are covered in dark leather with iron bindings and inscribed in golden letters. Written in dwarven, the books are eventually shown to Dhukhean, who identifies them as volumes III and IV of the history of Besilmer, a dwarven kingdom which, atypically, was pastoral in nature. They built their capital at Tyar-Besil, site of a mighty battle between dwarves and the last outpost of a Drow empire.

Ruddy shows the cloak and the boot to Dhukhean, who identifies the items as belonging to dwarves of the  Mindspin Mountains to the East and not part of the caravan from the North the party is expecting to meet in Red Larch. The Coopers clean up the battle scene, and after a pause to recuperate continue on their trip, arriving at Red Larch an hour before sunset.

In the village, Darelle, Daryle, Thorne and Ruddy book rooms at the Swinging Sword Inn, a three-story stone inn topped with a very steep slate roof dotted with a multitude of chimneys. The signboard, which hangs from chains above the door, displays a wooden scimitar emblazoned with the inn's name in red paint on each side. The property also features stables and several outbuildings to accommodate patrons' needs. Welcoming and luxurious by the area's otherwise rustic standards, each room features a hearth with a light fire, warm draperies and tapestries illustrating several scenes of recent history of the Dessarin Valley. Each room also has its own private bathroom with running water, provided by an intricate rooftop cisterns and heating system.

Despite the winter cold, Naga and Lawrence look for and locate a barn. The local farmer reluctantly agrees to let the halfling and tiefling use his barn for shelter for the night.


Dhukhean visits the Allfaiths Shrine, and meets both Imdar Relvaunder, a priest of Gorum, and Lymmura Auldarhk, a priestess of Shelyn. The priests are pleased to see the dwarf and agree to let him stay with them for the night.

Never disturb the Kraken!

Lamashan 19, 4712

Having spent the night at Zellara's house,  Daryle and Darelle are met by Dhukhean at their new residence in Korvosa. The dwarf reports that riots are still roiling in the streets, and that several combats between different factions are affecting whole neighborhoods. Over the city they can see several plumes of black smoke rising from the numerous fires that have been set. They return inside the house, and finding enough fresh food in Zellara's pantry, Darelle cooks up a delicious breakfast.

Once the house is tidied up, the three of them head out back to the sisters' previous lodging, the Upslope House, to retrieve their remaining gear. The matron informs them that a missive came for them yesterday afternoon. Still sealed in a heavy envelope, Daryle opens it swiftly and finds a message written in an elegant hand:

"Dear Coopers, I have heard of your exploits, and I have peculiar information concerning your brother Thorne and his whereabouts you may find worth your while. I hope to meet you upon supper time tomorrow, Lamashan 19. You can find my residence at 15, Route of the Shore. Sincerely yours, Vencarlo Orisini."

Asking around reveals that this residence is located in the poor sector of the lower heights a few stone throws away from Castle Korvosa and yet so removed from its riches. The Coopers have heard of the name Orisini.Vencarlo Orisini is a master sword fighter and founder of his very own fighting school. This school, Orisini Academy, has trained some of the best fighters this side of Varisia over the last twenty years or so. Orisini is both rich and admired by the local population.

Suspicious yet tempted by the offer of information on Thorne since his disappearance at the base of the Emerald Spire over six months ago, the sisters decide to attend this meeting and invite Dhurkhean with them in case trouble arises, as the paladin has proven himself on numerous occasions. They conduct reconnaissance at the house, and find it is a simple row house squeezed between two slightly better maintained residences that has fallen in disrepair and could use a new coat of paint.

They spend the rest of the afternoon avoiding riots and large gathering of people. Returning to the house at supper time, Darelle knocks on the door and it is opened by a large matron. She motions them inside, then silently leads them to the back of the house, which abuts the hill. She touches a secret button on an armoire, revealing a secret passage. She tells the Coopers that this tunnel will lead them to another house up on the hill. Traveling a quarter mile, they find themselves in a basement. A staircase leads to the ground floor of an opulent house, where they are met by a butler in full livery. Without a sound, the butler guides the three of them to the house's third floor. They enter a large room well appointed with a four post bed, a wardrobe, and a large mirror mounted on the wall. All of the drapes covering the windows have been drawn, and the only illumination is provided by six candles. Two figures stand next to the mirror. A small long black-haired girl, about twelve years old and wearing a delicate yet expansive dress, and a man wearing a dark traveling cloak. He acknowledges the Coopers, and Daryle recognizes Thorne's voice. The rogue removes his cloak and questions the dwarf. Satisfied by Dhukhean's answer, he motions to the mirror and tells the sisters that someone would very much like to talk to them.

A shimmer swirls in the mirror, and slowly clears to reveal Duke Mosley, clad in a pristine Hellknight uniform. He welcomes the Cooper sisters, and asks a few pointed questions of Dhukhean, before returning his attention to Darelle and Daryle. He informs the sisters that he has pressing needs of his services. The girl standing before them is Olivia Wilhert, the 11 year-old daughter of Helmut Wilhert, the only heir to the Wilhert noble house of Cheliax, one of the richest. She also happens to be Mosley's niece, and she is in mortal danger. Thorne reveals that she wears a silver tattoo that stretches from her neck to her left hip. This tattoo is the physical mark of someone whose's soul has been promised to a devil. Mosley tells the Coopers that Olivia's soul was promised, but she never agreed to this binding. Through a series of circumstances unclear even to the Duke she escaped her family estate and was found by his agents. Devils have been looking for her these last three weeks. Mosley wishes her to gain the safety of lands he controls, and he wants the Coopers to assist in this mission, for the sake of the girl.

Duke Mosley then reveals an elaborate ruse. The girl standing in front of them is in fact not Olivia, but rather Emma, a street urchin from Ridwan, in the land of Nidal, a vassal state of Cheliax. Mosley spotted her years ago for her uncanny resemblance to Olivia. She has been educated and trained these last few years to one day substitute for Olivia, and now the opportunity has presented itself at the most vital of times. Mosley wants this Olivia to travel with the Coopers aboard a Chelaxian galleon named the Hellhound bound from Korvosa to Magnimar, in eastern Varisia, while the real Olivia is safely moved. In essence, Mosley asks the Coopers to act as bait for the devils that hunt his niece.

Daryle is disinclined to assist the Duke, but she and her sister eventually settle for 50,000 crowns each, while Thorne requests an enchantment for his weapon and Dhukhean settles on a fund of 25,000 for his dwarven clan to establish an embassy in Korvosa. Agreeing to their demands, Duke Mosley now bids the Coopers that they plan on sailing with the afternoon tide tomorrow. They need to attract attention without appearing to deliberately do so, so that enemy agents learn of Olivia's presence and departure from Korvosa.

The Coopers spend the rest of the night examining several scenarios to transport Olivia from the house to the wharf, board the Hellhound, and depart Korvosa. Vencarlo Orisini returns following a night at the opera, and joins in the planning. In the end, they decide to hide Olivia in one of Orsini's wagon, then head through the riots and reach the wharf just at high tide.


Lamashan 20, 4712

After a hearty breakfast the Coopers set the plan in motion. Thorne leaves Orisini's house, and takes position near Orisini Academy, where he will steal the wagon with Olivia inside. Dhukhean leaves with the rogue and makes his way to the ship, ready to assist them in boarding the ship if they are pursued. A short time later, Daryle, Darelle, and Olivia board Orisini's personal wagon. A few minutes later, Vencarlo and his driver enter the carriage house, and the wagon soon departs the estate through a city still plagued by violence, taking a circuitous route through Korvosa. Reaching the Academy, Vencarlo exits the wagon, and tells his driver to remain near the wagon as he plans to leave shortly. He advises the guards to keep the gates open.

Thorne sneaks into the Academy grounds and fires a white arrow with white fletching at the driver, missing him by an inch. He jumps on the wagon, and drives it out, much to the guards' dismay. Guiding it through the city, he avoids most of the gathered crowds and reaches the Hellhound right on time. Disbarking from the wagon, a providential gust of wind blows the cap off Olivia's cloak, revealing her delicate features. Darelle spots several individuals who take immediate notice of Olivia as she walks up the plank. The Hellhound departs without any trouble, however, and soon reaches the open sea.


Lamashan 23, 4712

The first two days at sea are uneventful. On the third day, Dhukhean's keen eyes spot a sail in the distance, moving fast and against the wind. The Hellknight crew aboard the Hellhound make ready for battle over the next four hours. As the distance closes, cannons are fired. Daryle spots a devil in command on board the enemy ship. Soon the Hellhound is rammed, and the enemy crew boards. The battle rages on between the Hellknighs and the devil's soldiers, while the Coopers engage with the outsider.

The weather, which had been decent since the beginning of the trip, has suddenly deteriorated since the assault began, and now the black clouds that have been rolling in obliterate the sun, and gale-force winds batter both ships.

Through artifice, the devil retains the upper hand as he summons several lesser devils, but its strategy is soon revealed when Darelle notices a second devil breaking through the windows of the captain's quarter from the water. Thorne dispatches two devils, Dhukhean also slays a few. Daryle effectively eliminates one of the devil commanders. Darelle manages to pull Olivia out of harm's way, but the devil is right on her tail. As the devil breaks through the door and emerges on the bridge, the Coopers are severely wounded, but they prepare for one final round of battle.

 Three large tentacles emerge from swirling waters. One grabs the devil and drags it under water, while two more seize the devils' ship and sinks it. A massive kraken emerges. Darelle uses her ranger talents and is able to talk to it. The kraken identifies himself as Tourbillion, lord of Conqueror's Bay and an enemy of all outsiders. A powerful druid looking after its water flock, Tourbillion dosn't really care for humanoids but he despises unnatural creatures even more. He agrees that the Coopers and their ship are not the enemy, and he lets them proceed on their way. The Coopers have potentially made a powerful ally. Upon departing, Tourbillion dispels the weather, and soon the Hellhound is on its way to Magnimar.


Lamashan 25, 4712

The Hellhound arrives in Magnimar, and the fake Olivia disembark from the ship under heavy Hellknight escort. The Coopers breathe a sigh of relief. They successfully kept their charge alive and provided Duke Mosley with the time needed to move the real Olivia. The Coopers head back to Korvosa on Darelle's jar of cloud, hoping for a more peaceful return trip.

The King of Korvosa is Dead! Long Live the Queen!

Lamashan 18, 4712, continued

With the Coopers sisters and their ally Dhukhean reunited aboard the ship, they stealthily move down the creaking steps. In the hold of the ship is a tall and muscular individual lifting weights, facing a mirror and admiring himself while exercising. Daryle hears the sea waters lapping at the side of the ship, indicating that they are below the water line. The muscle man, clearly intended as a line of defense against intruders, does not notice the invisible ranger. Darelle who also consumed a potion of invisibility, stands next to where she thinks her sister is. Dhukhean, who does not have the means to magically disappaer, also attempts to remain stealthy though his heavy armor is rather unwieldy for such an activity. However, the thug is so engrossed in himself that he fails to notice the intruders.

Daryle moves parallel to the ship's wall, and soon notices a small secret door leading away from the cargo hold. Keeping an eye on the thug to ensure that he does not move, she carefully opens the door, bracing for water to rush in. Neither happens. Instead, she discovers an underwater tunnel that leads back to the pier. She enters. Darelle chances the passage next, and she successfully reach the tunnel. Only Dhukhean is left by the stairs to the ship's deck. The thug is still lifting weights, sweating profusely and admiring himself in the mirror. The dwarf decides to also attempt the move across the hold. Luck is with him, and he too crosses without being noticed. With all three of them in the tunnel, Daryle softly closes the secret door and spikes it so the thug will be hard pressed to open it.

The tunnel emerges back under the Old Fishery, in a room that appears to have been hastily constructed using the pilings to support a platform and crude walls. In the middle of the room is an opening leading into the sea, and the rangers immediately spot two large sharks lazily swimming around. On one of the pilings they see a set of manacles hanging from a rope and a system of pulleys that can be pulled from the safety of the deck. The amount of clutter in this large room is overwhelming. A small wooden door leads to another room. Daryle checks the door, and notices that it is locked. Darelle steps up and uses her tools to unlock it.

Two small candles are the only illumination in this room, which is as overcrowded as the other room. A mix of sweat, rot, and old age overpowers the nose, and Daryle shakes with disdain. Sitting at a small desk counting piles of silver coin is an old man, in his early eighties. He does not notice that the door was opened. The sisters are sure they are now in the presence of the infamous Gadrien. The invisible sisters position themselves in the room, and Dhukhean enters the room and smashes Gadrien's left arm before grabbing his face and demanding to know who is patron is. Gadrien is startled and soils himself before regaining his composure. He refused to answer the dwarf's question, and instead asks how he might have wronged any dwarf. Dhukhean leans in, and casts cure light wounds to heal Gadrien's arm. He then breaks it again, before questioning the rogue one more time. Gadrien inquires if they were sent by the Grey Mantis or by the Sable Company. Dhukhean replies that he was sent by the Fellowship of the Longbeard, and he threatens to hurt Gadrien again if he doesn't talk. Gadrien agrees to talk if Dhukhean will then depart the premises. The dwarf agrees. Gadrien identifies Verik Vancaskerkin as his patron. He tells Dhukhean that Verik works for the Korvosan Guard. Dhukhean writes Verik's name with Gadrien's blood on a piece of paper, and tells him that he did promise to leave, but not to let the rogue live. Gadrien smiles a crooked and evil smirk, and tells the dwarf that his death would bury many secrets, secrets that are worth their much gold. Dhukhean replies that he has ways of making bodies talk. Gadrien's smirks widens.

Daryle notices that during this time Gadrien's left foot has been slowly moving. She yells a warning, but she is powerless to prevent Gadrien from activating a trap. The entire floor by the desk drops in the choppy waters below, attracting the sharks. Gadrien and his desk remain bolted to the wall. Dhukhean manages to jump through the door, while Darelle lands on Gadrien's lap. She uses her wand of magic missiles, while Daryle fires a few arrows. The wounds are enough to kill Gadrien.

Dhukhean searches the piles of objects littered throughout the main room. He finds a gold ingot worth about 100 crowns. This ingot bears the Cheliax coat of arms. He then discovers a miniature gold crown worth 350 crowns, a fist-sized scrimshaw carving of a kraken with garnets for eyes worth 200 crowns, and a silver ring worth 150 crowns. The ring bears the inscription “For Emmah—the light in my nights." The dwarf then comes across a highly realistic and highly scandalous ivory figurine of two entwined succubi worth 450 crowns, a masterwork shuriken, an adamantine arrowhead worth about 500 crowns, an abalone-shell holy symbol of Shelyn worth 300 crowns, a tiny glass tube containing a dose of oil of keen edge, an obsidian wand of magic missile (23 charges), a crystalline vial, itself worth 50 crowns, which contains a dose of silversheen, and a bejeweled brooch with a broken clasp. The circular gold brooch depicts a pseudodragon and an imp coiled around each other in an almost yin-yang pattern. The pseudodragon’s eye is an amethyst, while the imp’s eye is an emerald. The brooch is worth more than everything else put together, and it looks familiar to the dwarf, but Dhukhean can't immediately place where he has seen it. Upon further reflection, he remembers Queen Ileosa wore such a brooch not a month ago during the Breaching Festival.

Darelle uses her jar of cloud to create a floor to replace the pieces now at the bottom of the river twenty feet below, and she rifles through Gadrien's desk, finding his ledger books and whom he has collected money from over the last year, as well as more than a dozen shady deals the rogue has been conducting in Korvosa. Daryle searches Gadrien's wardrobe and comes upon Zellara's head in a hat box located above the wardrobe. She has been dead at least a month. Whom did they meet at her house?

Walking on the cloud, Daryle searches Gadrien's body, and discovers a signet ring of the Korvosan Guard inscribed with the name Verik on the inside. Done with her search, she shoves the body in the water below, where it is quickly eaten by the two sharks.

Ready to leave, the Coopers decide that they don't want to pass through the ship. There are no obvious means of escape except for the waters below, however, so Dhukhean decides to collapse one of the pillars holding the floor above, both to damage the building and collapse the floor, creating an exit for them. The floor collapses, providing a ramp to climb back in the slurry room. The foremen are dumbfounded, and immediately run away, quickly followed by screaming orphans.

Daryle announces that they should set the building ablaze, to destroy this nest of villainy and to prevent any other group from setting up shop. Darelle feels that the thug training in the hold of the ship deserves a chance to escape, so she runs through the tunnel to warn him. Simple-minded, the thug introduces himself as Kevin, and proudly tells Darelle that his job is to open and close the door and only let Gadrien through, but since she came from the other side she must be all right. She tells him he can leave, Gadrien is dead. Kevin appears not to understand this concept, so she tells him to follow her. Kevin agrees. He grabs his weights, then drops them to grab his bag, but returns to the weights and drops his bag for them. He is utterly bewildered, so Darelle grabs his bag and leads him to the road. Daryle and Dhukhean set the Old Fishery and the ship on fire. Darelle runs back in the building to retrieve Zellara's head, and places it in her bag of holding.

Outside, they realize that no patrol responds to the fire. They notice that many areas of town are featuring large pillars of thick black smoke. They stop a passerby, who informs them that King Eodred II has died in the night, the victim of an assassination. He then curses Queen Ileosa, and wishes her a speedy death before leaving the wharf to join a mob heading southwest. The Coopers board the jar of cloud and take a bird's eye view of Korvosa. There are several riots going on in various neighborhoods, and large mobs are converging on Castle Korvosa. The Korvosan Guard has congregated around the Castle and is violently putting down the mobs. North Point is heavily defended by Hellknights, who are protecting Chelish interests. The Sable Company hovers in the air, assisting detachments of Korvosan Guards, but appear overwhelmed. The city is in utter chaos.

Dhukhean has a theory that the master of puppet has given Gadrien tokens from each of the factions currently fighting in Korvosa. Daryle decides that they must help the city, so Darelle lands her cloud in North Point. Dhukhean recognizes the Hellknight in charge. It is none other than Lictor Severs DiViri, head of the Order of the Nail and usually headquartered at nearby Citadel Vraid but now here in Korvosa supervising the Hellknights' effort at quelling the riots. Daryle decide not to meet with the Lictor at the moment, even though she is aware that the man's daughter, Chaid DiViri, a Hellknight officer, perished in the Emerald Spire a few years back. Sir Maurice is there, however, and Daryle attracts his attention. Sir Maurice meets with them and listens to what Daryle has to say, and advises that now is not the time to distract the Lictor. If she really wants to help, she can patrol the city and stop crime. When asked why the Hellknights do not deploy more widely, Sir Maurice informs her that the Lictor's orders are to only protect Chelish interests in Korvosa, and the fate of the local Varisians and Shoanti are not their concern.

The Coopers decide to split up and meet at dusk at Zellara's house. Daryle thus decides to go hunting. She comes across a large mob attacking a lone Korvosan Guard. She successfully defuses the situation and sends the mob on its way to Castle Korvosa. The guardsman, Grau Soldado, is drunk, and Daryle manages to convince him that he stands for the defense and protection of the city and its people, not of the Queen, something Soldado has trouble accepting, but eventually Daryle manages to convince him as well, and he drunkenly heads back towards the Guards' headquarters.

Darelle and Dhukhean meanwhile go to visit Pastries and Things, the bakery she helped a few weeks ago. She tells him they took care of Gadrien and she compensate them for the money they paid to the villain. The baker, Ernest Mildenhall, tells Darelle of the history of Korvosa and particularly of its conflicts and domination by Chelish nobles despite its supposed independence and claims by Varisia. Darelle also reflects that some of this chaos could be caused by Duke Mosley, a member of the Order of the Nail, who might appreciate a closer base of operations than the Emerald Spire. Ernest informs Darelle that the most likely successor to the Queen were she to also die or abdicate would be a member of House Arkona, the wealthiest noble family in Korvosa. Darelle departs the bakery with a basket full of goodies.

At dusk they arrive at Zellara's house. There they confront the imposter, who claims to be the real Zellara. When Darelle produces the head, Zellara shimmers and glows, revealing that she is a ghost. She tells the Coopers she needed their help to defeat Gadrien. A month ago, she had indeed suffered the assault she had described, but in the process she had not managed to escape but instead had been murdered. She thanks the Coopers and Dhukhean profusely for their help, and she gives them her deck of Harrow cards. She tells them that on the table they will find a deed signed and notarized, giving them ownership of her house. She can't always follow the Coopers, but they can consult her anytime through her Harrow deck. The sisters and the dwarf decide to spend the night at Zellara's house, so as to avoid looting and mobs still roaming the streets of Korvosa.

Tale of the Harrow Deck

Lamashan 4, 4712


Having returned to Korvosa from Liveoak's tree the day before and spent a quiet night in their lodging, Darelle and Daryle leave the Upslope House after a hearty breakfast. They head to the waterfront, where they meet with their dwarven friend Dhukhean. He is supervising the preparation of the clan's ship that will take the dwarven members of the negotiation team back to the Linnorm Kingdoms with a planned departure for the following day. With his duties in Korvosa coming to an end, Dhukhean has arranged to remain behind and spend some time with the sisters.

As they meander the busy dockside, they first hear, then spot a Hellknight patrol rushing through and heading towards the Korvosan neighborhood called North Point. Darelle also notices members of the Sable Company flying on their griffins towards the same area. The sisters and Dhukhean closely follow the rushing Hellknights and arrive on the scene of a devastating fire affecting an entire block near Sunpoint boulevard. Two fire companies of Korvosan Guards are already hard at work, and while the Sable patrol continues to fly in the air, the Hellknights take a defensive position and begin pushing the crowds back, but make no attempt to help the Guards put out the fire, as this is a purely Korvosan matter and does not involve Chelaxian interests. Incensed, Daryle steps to the Hellknight commander, Sir Maurice, and orders him to assist the guard. Sir Maurice looks her up and down and instructs her to move along otherwise he'll have her arrested. Daryle threatens to report him to Duke Mosley. Sir Maurice blanches, and asks her for her credentials. Daryle produces her Hellknight badge and advises Sir Maurice that she knows Duke Mosley personally and was sent to Korvosa on a mission for him. Sir Maurice turns around and order his troops to assist the Guards.

Meanwhile, Darelle runs into the fire, being well-protected against fire thanks to the ring of protection offered to her by the Mistress of Thorns more than a year ago and able to breathe under any circumstances. She is looking for survivors, and also hopes to investigate if the fire is an accident or a magical attack of sorts. Inside one of the houses, she discovers that the fire started in the kitchen when a burning pot of oil was accidentally splashed against a wall and ignited. Huddled in another room she finds a man sheltering two little children. Finding no way to carry the children out without a severe risk of harm, she breaks through a wall and exits in an engulfed alley, followed by the father. She runs to tne end of the street and reunites the family together. Dhukhean detects evil, but the fire appears to not have had any evil intents. He softly chuckles to himself with the stupidity of humans using wood to build entire structures and neighborhood.

Daryle supervises the Hellknights when she notices an urchin attempting to steal her purse. She detains the child and calls over Sir Maurice to have him taken away. Sir Maurice identifies the child as belonging to the notorious Dock's Dozens, a group of street children associated with a known crime syndicate.

Eventually the fire is put out. Since it is near lunchtime, the Coopers depart the area and head towards Old Korvosa, hoping to find a decent place to find food. After some searching they find a small tearoom in a back alley. Called the Pewter Pot, it is a small place with seating for eight on two tables that can be placed together if necessary. The place is empty, so they take the table next to the wall, and place their order. The drinks and food are delicious, and the bill is more than reasonable. Daryle finds a harrow card in her drink. She pulls it out of her tankard of mead, still half filled with liquid, but the card itself is dry. A representation of the Publican, the card is old and worn but remains very sturdy. On the back a note is scribbled, and reads: "A man named Gadrien has wronged me, and plagues the city with his evil ways. I know you to be defenders of justice, and I hope you will take my cause. Please come to my house, 3, Lancet Street at dusk. I really need your assistance!" The note is signed by someone called Zellara. 

The Coopers get directions to Lancet Street and head to the southern end of the docks, where Zellara's house is located. They find 3, Lancet Street wedged between two similar small houses. The house directly abuts the street, and has a lovely but faded lavender door and two small windows. The two stories structure is centuries old. They observe the house but notice no movements. They meander in the neighborhood for another hour, and they return at sunset. On the door Darelle finds another note in the same handwriting. The note reads: "I stepped out for a few minutes, come on in and help yourself to food if you are hungry." Daryle warily opens the door. The inside is cozy and warm. A small table has been set with victuals and two bottles of wine. Candles gleam in lanterns throughout the house. On the table is an old Harrows deck. Daryle looks at the cards, and notices that the Publican is missing, and that the back of her card looks like the rest of this deck. She puts the card back in the deck.

As they make themselves comfortable, they hear footsteps in the street that stopped by Zellara's door. A woman in her mid fifties enter the residence, and is startled to see the Coopers sitting at her table. She quickly recovers and thanks them for agreeing to visiting with her despite her vague message. Zellara explains her reasons for inviting the Coopers over. She is a Harrow cards reader, and she tells them that about two years ago she began to receive unwanted visits by Gadrien, a scoundrel who runs a local crime syndicate. In no uncertain terms he informed her she needed to make weekly payments of several gold crowns to receive his "protection." When she refused, thugs roughed her up, breaking a few ribs and three teeth. Ever since, she has lived in fear. She had to close her lucrative business, and could only afford a small storefront in a quiet neighborhood. This cost her much of her clientele. Recently, however, she has noticed shady men following her around, and she once again was roughed up by his thugs. She now fears that Gadrien is once again attempting to obtain protection money from her. She would like the Coopers to help her in getting Gadrien to back off. She was at the Breaching Festival and witnessed their triumph, and thought that they could help her. When asked why she didn't go to the local authorities, Zellara informs the Coopers that the Sable Company and the Hellknights do not care about the Varissi, the native population of Korvosa alongside the Shoantis. The Korvosan Guard, meanwhile, is suspected of being on Gadrien's take. She really needs their help. Darelle agrees that they will help her deal with Gadrien. To thank them, Zellara conducts a classical Harrows reading using her worn deck. 

Positive past: The Forge represents strength through diversity, or strength from many sources united against a single trial. Your past actions have marked you as heroes to many, and enemies to some. Your bravery against the obstacles that marked your trial have shown that despite your misgivings you are willing to help and assist those who are downtrodden. This is why Fate has selected you to be here in Korvosa, to assist the city in its time of need. Because of its location it is a partial match, which means many sources of strength were needed for you to be triumphant. Do not ignore these strengths, for they can once again be useful.

Unclear past: The Fiend represents a devil that devours the masses of the innocent, indicating the deaths of many in a disaster. Unfortunately in your past you had to made decisions that needlessly cost a great amount of lives. These decisions made in the past influence the present still and will have repercussion in the future. Beware the hounds of hell, for they seek to ensnare you in their traps.

Negative past: The Survivor represents a creature that has managed to survive a terrible ordeal, when everyone thought him lost. An enemy you have made like the proverbial phoenix is arising out of the ashes of his doom and even now plots his revenge against you. Because of its location, it is a misaligned card which represents a profound and terrible loss that still haunts you and exerts influence on your actions.

Positive present: The Midwife represents the enabler or conduit of new creation, information, or arrivals. Confederates gather around you even as we speak, seeking to help you in your present quest. Some are already agitating in the wings, ready to provide assistance, while others are at present unaware of your existence but will gladly grant you help and succor in your time of need. A powerful ally, the Blackjack, should be sought out. Because of its location, it is a true match which represents creation, though the Midwife herself does not create. Acknowledge the import of a new arrival, for it will prove most useful.

Unclear present: The Betrayal represents selfishness and envy. There are divisions in your group even now, and some seek to acquire power without thoughts to the consequences of their actions. Your guiding hand can put them back on the right path, but do not stray far from it yourself. Because of its location, it is a partial match, which represents a self-sacrifice that resolves one of the divisions.

Negative present: The Tangled Briar represents a historical thing or creature that will have some influence on the problems facing Korvosa. A relic of old, descending from one of the most powerful of Golarion’s denizens, dwells deep within the city, slowly spreading its nefarious control to key part of the city. Deadly danger has already begun to circle around you. Because of its location, it is a partial match, which represents the hope that another ancient deed can help you.

Positive future: The Keep represents quiet, unshakeable strength that withstands any hardship. Your devotion to a righteous cause will stand as a testament to your goodness and will continue to sing praises to your name, provided you remain steadfast in your commitment to solve the challenge posed by the Tangled Briar. Because of its location, it is a partial match, which represents that you will not be shaken by any force, and that your foes are unlikely to shake of your single-minded dedication.

Unclear future: The Juggler represents destiny, deities, and those who play with the fates of others. A dangerous individual is the master of puppets, pulling strings and strives to destroy Korvosa. Already the wheels are turning and plans have been set in motion. However, the juggler is not constant. As a chaotic card, he can and often drops one of the things he juggles. The master of puppets can be thwarted, and you’re the one who will do so. Because of its location, it is a partial match, which represents that his rhythm will be off, and one or more will fall and fail, but only if you keep the Juggler off kilter.

Negative future: The Avalanche represents disaster: an unthinking panic and destruction that overruns all. Unfortunately, in your battle with the Juggler, your actions will not prevent Korvosa from destroying itself. Beware the black ships, for they will bring the city to its knees! Because of its location, it is a partial match, which means calamity can still be avoided, but at great consequences to yourself. Will you save Korvosa at great personal risk?

	Lawful	Neutral	Chaotic
Good	Positive past The Forge	Positive present The Midwife	Positive future The Keep
Neutral	Unclear past The Fiend	Unclear present The Betrayal	Unclear future The Juggler
Evil	Negative past The Survivor	Negative present The Tangled Briar	Negative future The Avalanche

After performing the reading, the Coopers decide to go bar hopping, to figure out the schedule for Gadrien's enforcers. This way they are less likely to run into them as they investigate. They head to the North Point and stop at the Pier's Lantern, a run-down tavern sitting across from the Old Fishery. On the door of the Old Fishery is a weathered notice indicating that the city government has condemned this building and plans on seizing it. The notice itself is dated from more than three years ago. 


Lamashan 5, 4712

From the Pier's Lantern the Coopers keep a close eye on the building, and throughout the night they first notice three wagons pull up and deliver heavy barrels. Then, closer to dawn, two empty wagons pull up and pick up more barrels before heading out. Darelle uses a potion of invisibility and follows the second wagon. It delivers barrels to several eateries in North Point and Old Korvosa. The ranger examines one of the barrels and finds it is filled with a foul-smelling slurry fit for fish bait or fertilizer, but clearly intended to be served as food. No wonder the prices are so low in these eateries! 

Darelle returns to the tavern and reports her findings. At the same time, six burly men arrive together at the front door of the fishery. They are let in, and leave fifteen minutes later, splitting up at the first intersection. The Coopers decide to follow one of the men. Throughout the morning, he stops in several businesses, and emerges a few minutes later with a bill of sale and a heavier purse tied to his belt. Armed with a short sword, the goon continues his round, stopping at Pastries and Things, a local bakery in North Point. The Coopers decide to put a stop to it. They corner the man in an alley, and capture him. Dhukhean ties him to a chair. Daryle and Darelle obscure their faces, but Dhukhean takes no such precaution. The dwarf steps in front of the man and questions him for a long while. At first, the man explains that he's simply selling slurry to the stores he has visited, and he has the bills of sale to prove it, but Dhukhean is intimidating enough that the thug admits he's collecting "rent" money for Gadrien. The Coopers force the thug to drink himself into a stupor, they relieve him of his purse and leave him laying in a pool of his own urine.

Returning to the baker, they attempt to give him his money back. The baker, fearful, tell them that he'd rather not take it back, and he would like Gadrien to receive it since he worries for his business and his family that works here and lives with him above the store. If money is not delivered, another thug will come and visit the following day and payment will be more. The Coopers tell him they will take care of it. Over the next four days, the Coopers systematically deal with Gadrien's thugs, and soon no men walk around to collect "rent."

The Coopers continue observing the Old Fishery for five more days. The slurry business continues, with arrival of the wagons containing fish caught 3 days dead in the nets, freakish specimens unfit for sale, or old sun-tainted fish reeking with the first hints of decay in the early parts of the night, and the slurry departing just before dawn, but no more rent collectors report for work. Instead, Gadrien has hired another group of thugs who protect the building. He seems to be gearing up for a gang war.


Lamashan 14, 4712 

Armed with this information, Dhukhean pays Zellara a visit at her shop, but it's clear the Harrows reader has not been here in quite some time. He goes to her house, but she's not there either. Dhukhean writes her a note that he came looking for her, found her not at home but perhaps will meet later on at the shop or at home. Please be well. He leaves the note unsigned. 


Lamashan 17, 4712 

Worried, Darelle keeps an eye on the shop for Zellara, but she does not come. Dhukhean finally makes contact with the Harrows reader at her home. Zellara tells the dwarf she has been under the weather recently, and left the city for a few days. She is thrilled to hear that the Coopers have demolished Gadrien's money collecting operation, but she hopes that they will deal with the ruffian personally. Dhukhean tells her not to worry, they will take care of him.


Lamashan 18, 4712 

Daryle decides it is time to pay Gadrien a visit. Dhukhean and Darelle wait for her at the Pier's Lantern. She sneaks inside the Fishery, and discovers that Gadrien employs an army of small children to mix the slurry. Three guards appear to be protecting the place at night. Out back she finds an old ship that has beached itself. There she discovers that the ship is in fact a decoy, hiding access to a series of rooms underneath the Fishery. She returns to the ship's deck, and lights an arrow and fires it up in the sky. Darelle and Dhukhean notice, and quickly rejoin her. It's time to pay Gadrien a visit ...